BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Community input is being sought for a plan to protect forests surrounding Lake Whatcom.

Whatcom County Parks and Recreation and the City of Bellingham’s Public Works Department are hammering out the final details of the Lake Whatcom Forest Management Plan.

This particular plan is the first one done alongside consultants from the Northwest Natural Resource Group.

They’re looking for feedback on the best ways they can maintain over 13,000 acres of forest within the Lake Whatcom Watershed area.

That includes water quality protections, trail maintenance at Lake Whatcom Park, and wildfire prevention.

The Forest Management Plan, once approved, would remain in effect until 2029.

Public comment is being accepted through Dec. 1.